How can I tape a seam properly?

I keep trying to tape seams, and every coat I do it looks like I slap too much mud on the seam, so I go to scrape some off and before I know it I'm back at the tape again! I just keep repeating this over and over :|

I guess I could get it right after 8 sanding and apply times at this rate, lol.

Also, when I do get an even line of mud on the seam there is a big line in it or some uneven line, I try to go back to fix it but screw it up again.

Tips? I watch all the youtube videos but I still don't get it. Just keep trying I guess? Should I thin out my mud?

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How can I tape a seam properly?

Most first time DIYS try to make the first and second coats look perfect, just not going to happen.
Or they try to use to narrow a blade, which will leave more lines.
Just make sure there's no big blobs. Minor,air holes, or fine lines are not going to matter, since you going to go back and cover them on the second and third coats.
Do not sand between coats, just wipe over the area with a drywall knife to knock off the high spots.

Thinning may help but do not over do it, it only takes a tiny amount to loosen it up.

How can I tape a seam properly?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lavid2002

I keep trying to tape seams, and every coat I do it looks like I slap too much mud on the seam, so I go to scrape some off and before I know it I'm back at the tape again! I just keep repeating this over and over :|

I guess I could get it right after 8 sanding and apply times at this rate, lol.

Also, when I do get an even line of mud on the seam there is a big line in it or some uneven line, I try to go back to fix it but screw it up again.

Tips? I watch all the youtube videos but I still don't get it. Just keep trying I guess? Should I thin out my mud?

have you tried this handy thing? it might work for you.
give it whirl. I think they cost around 35 bucks it might save you some frustration. I do think that it was made for the DYI'ers out there.

How can I tape a seam properly?

I had a friend come out yesterday and show me hands on, He lays the mud on slowly horizontally, then smooths it out vertically. I have been doing this and it's working awesome! I was applying vertically and taking it off vertically, and moving too fast for my skill level.

How can I tape a seam properly?

Awesome, nothing better then seeing live action. Different techniques work for different people I guess cause I personally was taught to do all vertical and been doing so every time I have to do some drywall work. One guy I worked with used strictly only perforated sticky paper tape to save time. Some might say thats the wrong way and that the seam wont hold up as long but again some just have different ways of doing things. Mudding is definitely something that takes A LOT of practice but when you get it down right it feels great.